In last week's Gospel reading, Jesus fed a crowd of thousands with just a small amount of food. In my reflection on the passage, I asked why this story was so important to the first Christians that it recurs six times in the four canonical Gospels. I suggested that it was because it manifests the … Continue reading Bread and Circuses? A Reflection on John 6.24-35
Throughout history and across religious traditions around the globe, communities have turned to their mystics and masters as the great exemplars of spirituality. While in our culture today, the Buddha or Hindu gurus might come to mind first when we think about this phenomenon, it has historically been true of Christianity as well, whether East … Continue reading Growing with Intention: Mysticism and Meditation
I have to admit that I rolled my eyes when I read this week's readings and saw that the Gospel appointed for today was the Feeding of the Five Thousand as told by St. John. It's one of those stories that's a little too familiar; some variation of this story is told a total of … Continue reading A Foretaste of the Kingdom: A Reflection on John 6.1-21
One of the biggest ways my approach to Christianity has changed over the years has been the shift away from theology that focuses primarily on doctrines and ideas towards one that focuses on change and growth in persons and communities. It's not that I no longer uphold those doctrines — far from it. Rather, it's … Continue reading Growing with Intention: An Integral Perspective on Spiritual Growth
Last week, I happened to be walking along the Corso Italia here in Toronto in the lead up to the final of Euro 2021. Seemingly every store window was draped in either green white and red bunting or the royal blue of Italy's national football team. It was a fun atmosphere and brought back the … Continue reading Jesus and the End of Tribalism: A Reflection on Ephesians 2.11-22
